Spent the day in Liverpool, and I have to say: I am seriously impressed by that city. I lived there for a year more than a decade ago, but it has changed in all sorts of subtle ways since I was last there.
The university campus is more or less the same, complete with hilariously dishevelled towers like the Roxby Building. But the city centre is now absolutely buzzing. It is immaculately clean and packed with some of the best places in the North to eat and drink. If you like Chinese food, as I do, it is close to perfect.
There is also much more of an artsy-fartsy atmosphere now, but I actually prefer it to places in London like Camden Town or Shoreditch. It feels less self-conscious and more relaxed.
Another thing that really struck me was just how clean everything is. Not just the streets, but the shops and cafés themselves. It is a total contrast to London, which increasingly feels a bit grubby by comparison.
Liverpool is also incredibly pedestrian-friendly. Everything is compact and walkable, so you barely need public transport at all. I genuinely cannot recommend the city highly enough.